Letter to the Editor

New Jersey needs a bottle bill

New Jersey's recycling program isn't working. We throw away two out of three recyclable containers, many of which end up decorating our gardens and shores. Michigan has a deposit program, and its recycling rate is three out of three. We should do something about this or change our state name from the "Garden State" to the "Litter State."

Global warming is a serious threat to the Jersey Shore. Electricity used to make one tiny aluminum can from raw materials causes as much global warming pollution as does driving a two-ton car for a mile. Most of our neighboring shore states have deposit programs that are working well. Is it that much of a burden to take the cans and bottles to your local grocery store once in a while to get the refund, no matter where you bought them from?

Thanks to Assemblywoman Valerie Vainieri Huttle for introducing the Smart Container Act. It's about time.

Sunil Somalwar
Highland Park

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